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Red, a boxer mix that was rescued during a cruelty case from a Plano apartment balcony, has since recovered and is available for adoption at the Plano Animal Services Adoption Center. (Photo by Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News)

A severely malnourished dog that underwent months of rehabilitation with the help of Plano Animal Services is looking for a new home.

The boxer mix named Red is now healthy enough to be adopted. But Plano officials caution he will still need extra care as he continues to recuperate. A special adoption process has been set up for Red to ensure he goes to owners who can provide for him and his future needs.

Last year, an animal control officer checking on a complaint of animal cruelty found Red in poor health at a Plano home. The owner surrendered the dog to Plano Animal Services on Oct. 7. The owner was also cited for inhumane treatment, which carries a fine of up to $500. The case is pending in municipal court.

The move to animal services was just the beginning of the road to recovery for Red, who is believed to be about 2 years old. Because Red was malnourished, his bones did not grow properly. He had to have two extensive surgeries to correct problems to one hip and both front elbows. The staff at Plano Animal Services have been nursing Red back to health.

“We’ve spent, just in medical expenses, a little over $3,000 so far,” Cantrell said.

Those costs are being covered through donations that Cantrell’s department receives for animals with special needs.

The new owners will have to be willing to continue Red’s physical therapy to rebuild his muscles after surgery. There are long-term considerations as well, Cantrell said.

“Any time you have a big dog, especially with damage to its joints, there’s a very good likelihood that they will at some point develop arthritis in those joints,” he said.

Red’s injuries make it likely that arthritis symptoms will start at an earlier age.

Cantrell said Red has also had issues in the past being possessive with food.

“But that’s kind of understandable when you are practically starved to death and you don’t necessarily want to share what little food you have with others,” he said. “But he has made leaps and bounds in improving that. We don’t think that will be an issue at all for his future owner.”

Finding a dog that has suffered such severe neglect is not typical for Plano Animal Services, Cantrell said. That’s why employees there are taking extra precautions to ensure Red goes to a good home.

“Staff just didn’t want to give up on him,” Cantrell said. “We wanted to do everything we could to show him that not all people are going to treat him that way.”

For more information about Red visit Plano Animal Services online or call 972-769-4360.

These photos show the dramatic change in a boxer mix named Red who was severely malnourished when he arrived at Plano Animal Services in October and is now healthy enough for adoption after months of rehabilitation. (Photo courtesy city of Plano)